Rep. Randy Fine (R-Fla.) argued that he didn’t invent language when he was reminded of his use of violent rhetoric targeting Muslim Democrats.

“I never call for anyone to be physically hurt, and that’s the danger here. The way we settle disputes is at the ballot box, not with violence,” Fine told NewsNation anchor Markie Martin on Wednesday.

Martin pushed back, highlighting some of Fine’s recent posts on social media referring to Muslim Democrats as terrorists.

“In recent tweets you’ve referred to ‘Muslim terror candidates,’ you’ve called for the denaturalization and deportation of ‘Jihadi Mamdani,'” Martin said. “Surely that doesn’t help?”

Fine argued he didn’t invent language.

Well, look, I didn’t invent the term white supremacy or Christian nationalism. These are terms that have been used to describe groups out there. There is Muslim terror just the same. So I didn’t invent how we use language. I just use it the same way that everyone else does,” Fine answered.

“The folks in the media want to end white supremacy and Christian nationalism, then it might make sense to reconsider the term Muslim terror. And it’s certainly something I’m open to all,” he added.

Fine made the comments during a discussion of Supreme Court Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan’s testimony on Capitol Hill, in which they requested additional funding from Congress for extra security amid a surge in violent threats and intimidation against judges across the United States.